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Topic: ~ (Read 9664 times)

***PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST BEFORE INITIATING A DIET PROGRAM***

Diet, Nutrition and Exercise play a very important role in dealing with anxiety, stress and depression. What you eat affects the way you feel emotionally and physically.

You will do much better at handling anxiety, stress, scary thoughts, depression, tiredness, nervousness, lack of self-esteem  almost everything if you start an exercise program. There is one right for you.

This is untrue for people with acute anxiety. Any amount of exertion will benefit someone who is full of anxious energy. Exercise also acts as a prevention to help you from getting anxious. You will sleep better, feel better and be less anxious.

7. I eat snack foods such as chips, pretzels and crackers at least once-a-day.( )Yes ( ) No

8. I drink alcoholic beverages five-times a week. ( )Yes ( ) No

9. I eat candy or something sweet at least once-a-day( )Yes ( ) No

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your diet is a possible reason for some of your anxious feelings.

If you answered yes to questions 1,2,4 and 9, your diet is definitely responsible for some of your anxious and depressed feelings. This is a diet high in stimulants. You must take action immediately to change these poor eating habits. You must learn to at least cut down, if not eliminate, all sweets.

Try it for one week.

Youll be amazed at how much better you feel and how much your anxiety will decrease.

Have to agree on this topic I have cut out so many things you are mentioning and must say I don't have the anxieties I used to have which has added to my current aim to better myself and my body and excercise does help a healthy body generates a healthy mind and a positive outlook to one's life.

I must say since I started gym 5 months ago I have been sleeping without waking up 5 times a nite my daily routine is as follows. I get up at 03:30 am at gym 04:15 am gym until 06:00 am then go to work, work until 16;00 hours then go home where I either cook for myself or I do my washing and while doing that I read or write also getting my gym bag ready for the following morning and then by 21:00 hours I am in bed sleeping and I must say I have energy the whole day. On the days I don't feel like getting up I remind myself as to why I am doing it and that is how I motivate myself.

It is important to remember that diet requirements for someone "Living with HIV/AIDS" is often times not anything like what iis important for the rest of the population. I would be very careful with some of the suggestions that Eldon has suggested in the last couple of months, due to his obvious lack of knowledge of this very important point. The "Healthy" diet suggestions for the general population often times, do not equate to what a person with HIV should be considering for their own diet.

Please read this thread with caution, and please consider the source when making decisions about diet from this contributor. He is seldom correct for persons "Living With HIV/AIDS"!

Logged

The Bible contains 6 admonishments to homosexuals,and 362 to heterosexuals.This doesn't mean that God doesn't love heterosexuals, It's just that they need more supervision.Lynn Lavne

SFscruff

There are quite a few people living with HIV/AIDS who answered 'yes' to most of those questions (except perhaps the smoking and overindulgence of alcohol questions), yet who are not depressed, tired, anxious, unable to sleep at night, bitter, angry, etc. How can one explain this? Maybe moderation, learning the beneficial combinations of things in life and seeking to enjoy rather than breaking off parts of and demonizing small fractions of it. What's that old saying, 'Better to laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.' Give me my tablespoon of brown sugar and gush of half and half in my morning latte anyday! I'm at 42% lean muscle mass and have 17% body fat in most recent semi-annual B.I.A., so something must be working. SFscruff

It is important to remember that diet requirements for someone "Living with HIV/AIDS" is often times not anything like what iis important for the rest of the population. I would be very careful with some of the suggestions that Eldon has suggested in the last couple of months, due to his obvious lack of knowledge of this very important point. The "Healthy" diet suggestions for the general population often times, do not equate to what a person with HIV should be considering for their own diet.

Please read this thread with caution, and please consider the source when making decisions about diet from this contributor. He is seldom correct for persons "Living With HIV/AIDS"!

When diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, many deal with the harsh reality of anxiety, stress, and depression.

In your own opinion of thought, this is your suggestion to the other members? Where are you when we need to have some expertise from a knowledgeable senior member to be shared with the other members?

Careful research is administered on my part in order to communicate in the most knowledgeable manner.

There are a number of resources that are available to each and every one of us in order to make a suggestion that can help someones outlook on certain things in this life.

Rather than taking the position to condemning or slaughtering a person who's intentions are to help others, take the time out to address the areas that are in the need of improvement such as the topic being discussed.

If you are knowledgeable in this area, then WHY would you sit down and do nothing in order to assist the other members?

In my opinion:

Shake off the negative opinions and infuse this thread with positive feedback that will assist the other members in regards to their Diet, Nutrition, and Exercise.

This very thread can help each and every one of us in more ways than one.

my nurse gave me a booklet on nutrition , its got a few pages about what meds need to be taken with food etc, it even recommends "eating a large chocolate bar" with some of the meds.... so like catch-22 ;-(

I eat chocolate at least once-a-week( )Yes ( ) No ( X ) I didnt before, and i dont want to

I can understand why Moffie took exception to this thread. It seems to trivialize (unintentionally) depression, anxieties, stress and self-esteem issues. By chalking up diet as a "possible" explanation for these issues, it gives the appearance that if you just change your diet, your depression will go away. Or if you just avoid adding sugar to your drinks, (not sure how that's even possible, since even fruit juice has added sugar), you can avoid social anxieties.

Improving our diet is important, of course. But so is being realistic, pragmatic and knowing the power of moderation. I also believe it's counter-productive to tell someone that if they follow a very restrictive diet, they'll reduce their anxieties. Restrictive diets can also be the cause of anxities and frustration.

When offering advice on exercise and diet one should always preface the advice with a caution to consult your doctor first. There does not seem to be much more researched material here than you would find browsing through the magazines while waiting to pay for your groceries.

I agree with Moff and Cliff on the subjective nature of Eldon's claims.

Tim's postings prove time and again he stood up a long time ago. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to HIV and has been on the vanguard in the fight against aids for quite some time.

Eldon, thanks for the tips. Seems like common sense that less sugar, alcohol and smoking are for the best even IF one is HIV positive and may have different nutritional needs. I never thought that I may need more sugar!

SFscruff

Dachshund, you are absolutely correct in suggesting that the content and depth of the posted checklist was not much more insightful than one might find in checkout isle magazines. When I first read it, I was thinking how similar it sounded to those silly checklists in Cosmo magazine that if you answer 25 or more of the questions 'yes' than you're a 'this,' 20-25 'yesses' and you're a 'that,' etc.

However, how many times have we all actually discussed nutrition concerns with our 'doctors' and gotten pretty much blank stares, endless referrals or 'we don't have time to talk about that.' I go to a fairly patient-center HIV practice and there's literally only 15 minutes per appointment to cover the most important issues facing me. It seems that unless a patient is severely wasting, every physician I've encountered hasn't viewed nutrition as a critical issue, except when something goes wrong, and then the milk's already spilled. In my case, the spilled milk would be non-pasteurized, cream top organic Strauss Dairy milk in the glass bottle. Most of my HIV+ friends have encountered the same situation, except for the cream top milk part which they find sinful and DANGEROUS!

Years ago I took a six session evening class titled simply 'Nourishment' offered by a local cancer center for persons with various life-threatening illnesses. Surprisingly enough, I was the only AIDS patient in the class of about 30 and for San Francisco, that was quite shocking. Unfortunately, the class was derailed on occasion by participants who would try to convince the other students that their way of viewing any number of subjects was the only and proper way. It was kind of like 'Evangelical Nutrition' where it was either their way, or the wrong way. I found it difficult to start understanding and applying good nutrition at a remedial level later in life without having first systematically studying a subject as complex as nutrition. But reading lots of non-biased non-fiction to get the basics down helped quite a bit. If my cholesterols, lipids, triglycerides, glucose and body composition values ever become problematic, then I'll know to stop the fun and enjoyable dietary stuff. But at least, I'll be a bit more knowledgeable and empowered. SFscruff

This can be very informative to the source in which this information was provided. Based on a National Survey, this is how the list of questions were made. Also, to think that this is only a part of it that has been shared with you.

What other suggestions do you or anyone else have in regards to the nature or stress, anxiety, and depression? I would like to know, and I will forward this thread to the source.

Any and all things have room for improvement. That even includes this life that we are now living.

Make the BEST of each Day!

Logged

SFscruff

A couple of things about your last post puzzle me: 1) 'This can be very informative to the source in which this information was provided.' -- I'm not sure what this sentence is stating or asking; and 2) 'A National Survey' -- what national survey? who conducted it? are they trying to sell something? Etc.

What your checklist egregiously fails to address are any positive factors in diet and lifestyle. A spoonful of refined sugar mixed into a drink, or a caffeinated beverage or a mouthful of chocolate once a week are all no big deals, unless there are no compensatory adjustments in diet. Maybe the person chomping on their weekly donut just finished a breakfast of natural fruit juice, whole grain toast, yogurt, granola and is now celebrating a bit!

I'd hate to think that a person who is facing anxiety, depression and stress is going to think about how much they are missing the healthful diet mark just because they had a ice cold cola on a warm afternoon. The whole dichotomy of 'good' and 'evil' would seem to produce anxiety, depression and stress, not eliminate it. SFscruff

You will do much better at handling anxiety, stress, scary thoughts, depression, tiredness, nervousness, lack of self-esteem – almost everything if you start an exercise program.There is one right for you.

I don't see any specific regimen recommended here. Has NO ONE ever heard this advice before?

Quote

You must learn to at least cut down, if not eliminate, all sweets

.

Has anyones doctor advised them otherwise? This is basic stuff.

I'm going to guess that Eldon is posting this in reference to the many NEWBIES here that have been posting about their newfound anxieties, depression, and whatnot since testing positive. Not all of them (us) have tested positive, hit the gym, and changed our diets right away.

For those of you who've been through this for awhile, I'd guess you've already determined, whether through Dr's advice, or just plain trial and error, what works best for you.

This is basic, general advice. Posted as what Eldon probably hopes will induce some of us to get off our asses, put down the crap food, and see if we feel better about things.

Since we are all entitled to our opinions, mine is this. Anyone who sees a problem with this post needs to remember to take whatever it is they've been prescribed to keep them level, and have another donut.

Well Eldon, apparantly the issue here is that you have taken up too much space!

We , as a forum, have just gone through a bit of hell over peoples comments to one another.

Quote

He is seldom correct for persons "Living With HIV/AIDS"!

Tim, if you've had a problem with the inaccuracies of everything Eldon has posted in the past month, why would you post this here? What's wrong with a PM asking him to discuss all his posts with you?

Cliff, Eldon suggested that diet is a POSSIBLE cause for stress , anxiety, etc... What further disclaimer should be posted alongside that sentence? I suppose anyone who posts in these forums in the future need consult an attorney first.

Surprising new research finds chocolate contains health-promoting chemicals similar to those in red wine, tea, fruits and vegetables. The prestigious New England Journal of Medicine's "Heart Watch" newsletter says "a sizable chunk of research" suggests cocoa compounds have modest "beneficial effects on specific factors linked to heart disease." And the scientific Journal of Nutrition recently devoted a supplement to chocolate's "medicinal benefits."

Potential heart benefits

Antioxidants galore. Chocolate is rich in cell-protecting antioxidants. A 1.4-ounce piece of milk chocolate typically has 400 milligrams of antioxidants, as much as in a glass of red wine, says chemist Joe A. Vinson of the University of Scranton. Dark chocolate has twice as much; white chocolate, none. Antioxidant activity jumped 31% in the blood of subjects at the University of California, Davis, two hours after eating 2.8 ounces of M&Ms semisweet baking bits. Anti-cholesterol. The antioxidants in chocolate help block chemical changes in bad LDL cholesterol that lead to clogged arteries. In fact, Vinson found chocolate's antioxidants better than vitamin C at detoxifying LDLs. Research by Penny Kris-Etherton at Pennsylvania State University shows diets rich in dark chocolate or cocoa powder raise good HDL cholesterol. Previously, she found eating a milk chocolate bar daily for a month (in place of another high-carb snack) did not raise men's bad cholesterol. Clot blocker. Chocolate antioxidants act like aspirin to reduce blood platelet stickiness and thus the clotting that triggers heart attacks and strokes. In a recent study, 30 subjects drank water, a caffeine drink or a cocoa drink containing 1.5 times the antioxidants in typical hot cocoa. The cocoa significantly delayed blood-clotting time. Vessel relaxant. Good vascular function (how well blood vessels relax) helps prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and artery clogging. Chocolate's antioxidants (called procyanidins) relax vessels by increasing the chemical nitric oxide, according to new studies at the University of California, Davis.

You may wonder ...

Won't chocolate make me fat? Chocolate packs fat and sugar, so overindulging does put on pounds. But chocolate is not a prime cause of obesity, studies worldwide find. The Swiss eat twice as much chocolate per person as we do -- 22 pounds a year -- but have one of the lowest obesity rates. Isn't chocolate full of saturated fat, the type that clogs arteries? About 60% of chocolate's fat is saturated, and a typical chocolate bar contains 8 grams of saturated fat, so bingeing on chocolate drives up your intake of saturated fat. But moderate amounts do not appear harmful. Extensive research at Harvard found women who ate chocolate bars three or four times a week were no more apt to have heart disease than women who rarely ate chocolate. Isn't the sugar in chocolate unhealthful? In excess, yes. But a chocolate bar's glycemic index -- a measure of ability to drive up blood sugar -- is surprisingly low, about like oatmeal's. What about chocolate's caffeine? A dark chocolate bar's 10-30mg is modest next to the 100mg in a cup of coffee. Isn't most research funded by the chocolate industry? Yes, but it's done by reputable scientists at leading universities and published in excellent scientific journals. Quaker paid for much original research on oats; that doesn't make it untrue.

I agree with Longislander here. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank Eldon for making an honest attempt in trying to make the world a better place. The time and the research in doing so is admirable. And anyone who bashes his efforts is just plain silly. I mean really.

I feel each person should do as they see fit and do what works for them. Eldon is just giving guidelines for people, what you do with it is your problem. It works for me and that is what is important to me. I haven't had a depression in more than a month and feel on top of my game.

Cliff, Eldon suggested that diet is a POSSIBLE cause for stress , anxiety, etc... What further disclaimer should be posted alongside that sentence? I suppose anyone who posts in these forums in the future need consult an attorney first.

c'mon people.

I think you are overreacting, just a tad. The forum was working as it should, and I see no reason to try and turn this into a War on Eldon. Eldon provided some guidance and some members agreed with it and some didn't. Those who disagreed with it, stated their views and stuck to the issue(s). I didn't see any personal attacks on Eldon.

This is what the forum is for. The exchange of opinions, that don't always agree. The reader is free to make up their own minds. We should be encouraging this type of dialogue not trying to stiffle it.

Just a quick reminder to each and every one of you. The "purpose" of this thread is to provide the reader with an "awareness" of the "possible" causes or stress, anxiety, and depression. It is in the hands of the reader as to how this information provided is perceived.

Any suggestions are welcome that will "assist" and "improve" our Diet, Nutrition, and our Exercise.

SFscruff

The tone of the original posting 'checklist' seems to be anything other than a kind and gentle suggestion. It reads like a 'your bad diet and lifestyle is the reason you're anxious, depressed, etc.' dictum. It is clearly stating that it's the person who eats chocolate one a week, eats pretzel/chips/snacky things once a day (geez, what if those snack items are whole grain, low sodium, without trans fats?), etc. fault. It's quite 'church lady' in nature. The posting is clearly blaming those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, etc. for their own condition. This kind of 'your own fault' stuff is not helpful, it only worsens the condition it purports to want to solve. I guess it's my own fault that I have AIDS in the first place -- yeah, OK, certainly true, BUT NOT HELPFUL! Re-read the original posting and see if there's not some major patriarchal finger pointing occurring. Blaming persons facing emotional and psychological challenges because their diet and sedentary lifestyle is 'bad' isn't helpful and instead of inspiring us to 'get off our asses, hit the gym and stop eating the crap' will most likely just make us feel worse. Did anybody read this posting, see the light and change their life forever? Well? Responsible postings would be much more useful to the entire community, not the just posters ego. SFscruff

Logged

SFscruff

Thanks Tim for posting the link to Lark's article. It's an excellent reference, inspiration and provides meaningful motivational factors. I just re-read her article and it's not judgmental, accusatory, or self-righteous. She's really trying to help us by providing guidelines in what we can do by focusing on the positive factors. SFscruff

I think what Eldon fails to realize here and maybe I have just missed it, but he has never attempted to endear himself to the forums by telling of who he is or what he is about. His first post involved him saying "I want to start a discussion on HIV" and something to the effect of what he expected from the discussion. Closing in on 1500+ posts is quite an admirable feat and I wish my little fingers could handle the typing, but alas they can't and I won't.

Eldon why not be a little more personable with the group. Your emotionless threads on information that is sometimes wrong or worse demeaning to someones intelligence is getting old to say the least.

I want to know about Eldon. Whats Eldon's numbers like? What meds are you on? How long have you been infected? Do you have family? Are they supportive. Are you in a relationship? Do you really live in Lake Placid Florida (if you do I am jealous)... Do you take any meds for depression? What kind of work do you do? My point is we know nothing about you at all and your the major poster of the forums....

It is GOOD to hear from you! In fact, the information (FYI) that you have provided is well noted. In this case, I strongly believe that the heading of this topic should have differed from what was originally posted.

"Stress, Anxiety and Depression - (S.A.D.)"

At this time, I would like to request to Peter and yourself that a consideration is made for the creation of a comprehensive S.A.D. lesson for all of the members of the forum.

HIV/AIDS is an external anxiety which causes additional Stress, Anxiety, and Depression (S.A.D.). I am a living example of this as well as other members on this site as well as this World that we all live in together.

Hello SFscruff!

True enough the wording used for the above "test" is rather harsh. However, the creator is addressing specific areas or "probable causes" in direct reference to the captioned above.

When it comes to Stress, Anxiety, and Depression (S.A.D.), the true reality of it is that there is a "probable cause" for this. In fact, each and everyone in this situation must "accept" that there is a "probable cause" and to "understand" that there is a "probable cause", and to "communicate" that there is a "probable cause".

I DO value your opinion as far as your perception is concerned with this. In fact, each and every person will perceive it in a different way. Oh yes, they will.

Let me make this CLEAR to you. This has nothing to do with Ego. The sinceire depth of motive behind this is to help others with their situation of S.A.D.

Remember SFscruff, we are all here to help or to assist each other. Truly "ingrain" the "thankfullness" within you for the help that someone is trying to give out of the very goodness of their heart.

Hello Thomas! Oh yes, its your turn...

As per your request for me to share myself with the other members of the forum has been well noted. Please DO stay tuned to this station.

In fact, as my dear Friend Iggy notes: "Get out your popcorn" and clean your glasses because the message is on its way for its delivery! Not a problem!

Yes, I am closing in on 1500+ posts and my PM's run 1000+ just as well. I exert a lot of time and effort to infuse this forum with the Power of Positive Thinking and Unsurpassed caring deep from within me. It is not superficial in no way shape or form. It is Real!

In your opinion, some threads may be emotionless to you. I DO however take the time to accept what is being said, understand, what is being said, and I communicate back to the individual of what was said in an attempt to comfort them in their time of need.

If it is something that I DO not know, I will make every effort in an attempt to gain the knowledge on the topic being discussed. The search feature on this site is a very handy tool, as well as my universal search engine that I use. (it includes Google).

As I stated above, get comfortable at you computer as I will respond to your request About Me.

DURING THE INTERIM

To all, I have submitted a request to our very own Peter Staley and Tim Horn that they will make a consideration to add a lesson section for our site on S.A.D.

To each and everyone who unfortunately falls into the category of S.A.D., I would like to refer you to the following website on S.A.D. that is used by a number of Pshycologists and Therapist's in the United States and Abroad.

I am recommending this site based on its success with myself "Living With Hiv" as I have walked on that very same path of (S.A.D.).

It has helped and changed my life considerably, maybe it can do the same for you to. All I ask is that you have an open perspective and consideration just as well.

Again, in this life, it all boils down to "YOUR CHOICE". YOU choose which path you will walk on in this life.

Accept the things that you cannot change (uncontrollable) and change the things that YOU can (controllable). Try this for yourself and you will experience just what I am talking about just as millions of others have!

This program is a "Drug Free" program. I have had an outstanding success with it. WHY? Because I took the time to look within myself for the "cause", accepted what I saw, understood what I saw and I communicated what I saw to my Family, Friends, and my Doctors.

This experience shall also be covered in my "About Eldon" thread which is currently under construction in Microsoft Word.

At least Lucinda's "program" offers a thirty day money back guarantee. You can get the same advice at any A.A. meeting for free. I think it is a bit disingenuous that you didn't reveal the source of your "research" from the get-go. I also think you should inform people of the exact cost of Lucinda's program before suggesting people try it out.

Such an interesting thread. I worked for ten years in long term care doing nutrition assessments and evaluations. Since I am no longer licensed it would be irresponsible for me to give out nutritional advice. I would like to say that much of the evidence supporting strict diets and nutritional supplementation is anecdotal. Like medications, food and supplements can have a fantastic placebo effect. If you believe strongly enough it just might work.

I recall a few cases where people fell terribly ill and even died after replacing their medications with diet and supplementation. If you are intent on trying some supplement or diet make sure at least it doesn't do harm.

Someone in the thread mentioned using "raw" or unpasteurized dairy products. This can be quite dangerous especially in people with compromised immune systems. Milk is pasteurized for a reason. It can contain many pathogens that can cause severe illness. Salmonella, campylobactor, listeria and brucella just to name a few. I feel it's not worth the risk.

Oh Yes, your expectations were to get a response from your reply. That is why you did it.

On our Journey in this life, it is very unfortunate that some people are "set" in their ways and it is also unfortunate that they are "closed minded" with their thinking. In fact, it is also unfortunate that there are millions of people living in this World who have HIV/AIDS. Just as so, that is just the way it is.

In fact, I do hope that the moderators do take note of it. In fact, "In The Midst Of It All", there can be something very beneficial to all of us that can come out of this. Perhaps you may perceive that in a different way.

Religion is not the topic here. The topic is concerning Stress, Anxiety, and Depression. No one is trying to sell me anything. Enough said.

Each and every one of us ages with time each year. This is the very part of our human existence.

Again, it goes back to how you perceive it to be. I DO have a life and I am thankfull and greatfull for everyone that is in it.

As far as my posts are concerned, there is a little button on the left side of the page that says "ignore". If you really perceive it that way, then learn how to use it.

As I said, in this life there is room for improvement for each and every one of us. None of us are excluded. If there is something that can be improved, then by all means share this so that an "awareness" can be made.

I want you to READ this and to understand me CLEARLY. In this World that we live in, there are millions of people who would LOVE to have SOMEONE to take the time out to HELP them. There are many who do not have this opportunity available to them. It is sad, but it is true.

Hey Lisbeth...

Again, it is a matter of perception.

Hey Thomas...

Yes, Google is compiled in the search engine that I use for research.

Hey Hal...

When you look on the site, there is a "free" forum to go to. FYI, I did not pay for my program. It was included in my treatment. If you would like for me to share the info with you just give me a holler.

Hey Barto...

By all means I agree that no one should replace their medication with a diet and supplementation. They should consult with their Doctor first before starting a diet program. Well said.